Orthopedic device

ABSTRACT

An orthopedic device in the form of a crutch or cane assembly with the crutch including a lower column and an upper column forming a continuation thereof together with a handle or handgrip at the upper end of the lower column and a forearm engaging cuff at the upper end of the upper column and the cane including an upward extension from the handle having a wrist engaging cuff thereon. By constructing the assembly of structural components which are capable of disassembly and interchange with other structural components having selected dimensions and configurations, the assembly may be employed as a crutch in which the cuff engages the forearm or as a cane in which the cuff engages the wrist for stabilization thereof.

United States Patent 11 1 Manzo 5] Sept. 11, 1973 ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE [76]Inventor: Joseph Manzo, PO. Box 407, Pmnary Bummer-Pater cflunProvidence R1 22313 Attorney-Clarence O Br1en and Harvey B.

J c b o 1221 Filed: Apr. 19, 1971 3 S [2] I Appl. No.: 135,099 [57]ABSTRACT An orthopedic device in the form of a crutch or cane 2? 135/475ii Ei SF; assembly with the crutch including a lower column and 5 4954/59 an upper column forming a continuation thereofto- I e 0 can getherwith a handle or handgrip at the upper end of the lower column and aforearm engaging cuff at the [56] References C'ted upper end of theupper column and the cane including UNlTED STATES PATENTS an upwardextension from the handle having a wrist en- 2,5l6,852 8/1950 Burry etal 135/475 gaging cuff thereon. By constructing the assembly of 135/59structural components which arecapable ofdisassem- 3144-81749 6/1969stak l35/59 bly and interchange with other structural components 23 l 1/2 HaYdben-M 2 1 having selected dimensions and configurations, the as10/19 6 Lam l3 sembly may be employed as a crutch in which the cuff2,8ll,978 ll/l957 Russell 135/475 th f h th ff 2,736,330 2/l956 Wood 13549 engages e P '3 "F w e gages the wrist for stab1l1zat1on thereof.FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 663,247 12 1951 Great 13111 111 135/4758 Clams D'awmg "III..."

1 ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of theInvention The present invention generally relates to orthopedic devicesand more particularly to a crutch and cane assembly incorporating in itsconstruction a column constructed of structural components which may beeasily but securely assembled thus enabling custom construction of theappliance by selection of appropriate components with such componentsincluding a handle assembly which may be separable and constructed invarious shapes, sizes and configurations and a cuff which may beoriented for engagement with the forearm when the assembly is providedin the form of a crutch and engage the wrist when the assembly isprovided in the form of a cane. I I

2. Description of the Prior Art Crutches presently commerciallyavailable include the bow type having a pad at the upper end thereofengaging the arm-pit, a handgrip at the central portion thereof and arubber tip at the lower end therof with the main body portion ofthecrutch being constructed of wood and the type having a columnprovided with an offset upper end having a forearm engaging cuffgenerally of U-shaped configuration pivoted thereto and a handgriplocated at the upper end of thecolumn as well as the usual rubber tip atthe lower end with this type of crutch usually being constructed ofmetal. US. Pat. Nos. 2,192,766; 2,453,632 and 2,516,852arerepresentative of prior patents disclosing the type of crutch having aforearm engaging cuff at the upper end thereof. Presently availablewalking canes usually include a column or shaft having a rubber tip atthe lower end and a reversely curvedv handle, generally in the form of ahook, at the upper endawhen a person requires a crutch, he is faced withthe acceptanceof a crutch that is made in a standard size which may notbe the proper size for him or considerable expense and delay inobtaining a custom fitted crutch. A similar problem exists with canesand in addition, a substantial number of people employing crutches couldutilize a cane except that their wrists are insufficiently strong toexert sufficient supporting. force on the cane.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is toprovide a crutch and cane assembly incorporating assembled structuralcomponents defining a generally vertically disposed column including anupper andlower portion having a handle or handgrip at the upper end ofthe lower portion and a generally U-shaped cuff at the upper end of theupper portion with the components being selected and assembled so thatthe assembly may be custom fitted to the customer at the locality wherethe purchase is made and also enable the assembly to be arranged in theform of a crutch with a forearm engaging cuff or a cane with a wristsupport.

Another object of the invention is to provide a crutch and cane assemblyin accordance with the preceding object in which the cuff or support isconstructed to provide increased rigidity for effective support of theforearm or wrist. I

A further object of the invention is to provide a crutch and caneassembly constructed of conventionally shaped structural components,such as channels, tubing or the like, enabling the introduction of amodulat concept into the construction of orthopedic crutches or canes.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a crutch andcane assembly including a vertical column constructed of a structuralcomponent such as a channel or torsion member capable of beingtorsionally twisted during normal use thereof thus eliminating thetendency of the lower tip end of the column rotating on the supportingsurface which it engages thereby reducing the wear on the tip and alsoreducing the tendency of the tip to slip in relation. to its supportingsurface.

Still another feature of the invention is to provide a crutch and caneassembly including an adjustable foot or tip which compensates for wearand also provides for slight adjustment of the over-all length of thecrutch or cane as well as daily minor adjustment to increase comfort.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a crutch and caneassembly having a lower column portion offset forwardly or backwardly tosubstantial alignment with the force exerted on the handle to improvestability of the crutch or cane.

Another significant feature of the present invention is to provide acrutch and cane assembly constructed of rigid components such aslightweight aluminum, plastic or the like which may be anodized orotherwise coated for protection against corrosion and also to enhancethe appearance characteristics thereof by pro viding a crutch or cane indesirable colors or with the components thereof indifferent colors. I

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout.

' BRIEF DESCRIPTIONVOF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a crutchassemblyembodying the present invention therein.

FIG. 2 is a top planview of the upper portion of the construction ofFIG. 1. 7

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectionview' of theupper portion of FIG. 1illustrating the association of the structural components formingthecolumn and cuff.

FIG. 4 is a fragmental elevational view of the front of the lower columnillustrating a representative configuration of the cutouts formedtherein.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating a differentarrangement of the cuff in relation to the-handle.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of another type of handle constructedto distributeforces over a large surface area of the hand.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the construction of FIG. 6. v

FIG. 8 is a front end view of the construction of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is a fragmental elevational view illustrating a crutch assemblyconstructed in accordance with the present invention in which the lowercolumn is offset to be substantially in line with the force exerted onthe handle.

FIG. 10 is a fragmental perspective view of the upper end of a caneassembly illustrating the arrangement of the structural components.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the caneassembly.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along section line 12-l2 of FIG. 2showing the reinforcing rib.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the foot assembly.

FIG. 14 is a transverse sectional view taken along section line 14-14 onFIG. 13.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring specifically to FIGS.1-4, the crutch assembly is generally designated by the numeral 12 andincludes a substantially vertical column 14 including a lower portion 16and an upper portion 18 having a foot assembly 20 at the lower end ofthe lower column portion 16, a handle generally designated by thenumeral 22 at the upper end of the lower column portion 16 and a cuffgenerally designated by the numeral 24 at the upper end of the uppercolumn portion 18.

As illustrated, the lower column portion 16 is formed by an elongatedchannel-shaped member 26 which has the web thereof facing forwardly andthe open edge facing rearwardly. The orientation of the channelshapedmember may vary and the channel configuration may not be continuous. Theweb portion of the channel 26 is provided with a plurality of elongatedslots or openings 28 therein to reduce the weight, serve as decorativeitems with the channel construction enabling twisting of the lowercolumn portion 16 about its longitudinal axis. The channel-shaped member26 may be constructed of aluminum or other lightweight and relativelystrong metal, plastic or the like and may be anodized or otherwisecoated to a desired color for enhancing the appearance characteristicsthereof and also protecting the structure from corrosion.

The upper end of the lower column portion 16 includes a connecting block30 having a reduced lower end 32 extending into and fitting closely withrespect to the interior dimensions of the end of the channelshapedmember 26. Suitable fastening devices 34 extend through the flanges ofthe upper end of the channel-shaped member 26 and the reduced end of theblock 32 thus rigidly connecting the block 30 to the channel-shapedmember 26 so that the block 30 forms a rigid continuation of thechannel-shaped member 26.

Between the ends of the block 30, there is provided an internallythreaded socket 36 which faces forwardly for receiving an externallythreaded extension 38 on a generally cylindrical handgrip or handle 40having a rounded outer end 42 thus forming a handle assembly whichextends forwardly from the block 30 generally in the nature of acantilever with the length, diameter and external configuration of thehandle 40 being varied within the requirements of the person using thecrutch.

The upper end of the block 30 is provided with a reduced extension 44having an angulated forward edge 46 which is inclined to the rear of thecrutch. The side shoulders 48 which form the reduced extension 44 are inangular relation to the inclined surface 46 for receiving the lower endedge of an open channel-shaped member 50 which forms the upper columnportion 48. Suitable fasteners 52 extend through the lower end of thechannel-shaped member 50 and the extension 46 for rigidly securing thesecomponents together. At the upper end of the channel-shaped member 50,there is provided a generally U-shaped or bifurcated yoke 54 having areduced extension 56 received telescopically within the upper end of thechannel-shaped member 50 and secured rigidly thereto by suitablefasteners 58. The length of the channel-shaped member 50 may beselectively varied as may the angle of inclination thereof by varyingthe angles of the shoulders 48 or by selecting blocks 30 havingdifferent characteristics of angulation of the shoulders 48 so that thecuff 24 may be supported at different elevational relations to thehandle 22 and disposed forwardly or rearwardly in relation to the handle22.

The cuff 24 includes a generally U-shaped or partially cylindricalmember 60 which forms a segment of a circle with the terminal endsflaring outwardly as at 62 thus providing an entrance area 64 so thatthe cuff may be moved onto the forearm of the person using the device.The member 60 includes a laterally extending lug 66 fixed thereto withthe lug 66 extending between the bifurcated legs of the yoke 54 andbeing pivotally secured thereto by a suitable pivot pin, bolt or thelike 68 thus pivotally supporting the cuff at the upper end of the uppercolumn portion 18 with the lower edge of the lug 66 engaging the bottomof the slot defining the bifurcated legs on the yoke 54 as illustratedin FIG. 3.

The outer surface of the cuff is provided with a rigidifying reinforcingrib 70 thereon which tapers from a widest point where it abuts the lug66 for added strength to a narrower point remote therefrom. Thereinforcing rib 70 may. be integral with the cuff, as obtained bystamping for example, thus providing a one piece construction for thecuff member 60 and the reinforcement rib 70 to facilitate themanufacture thereof and to maintain the resiliency of the cuff but atthe same time reinforce and rigidify the cuff.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the cuff 24 is a side opening cuff with thelug 66 being attached thereto adjacent one of the flared ends 62. FIG. 5illustrates another embodiment of the cuff 72 in which the pivot lug 74is attached to the center thereof so that the cuff is a forwardlyopening cuff with the opening 76 being disposed above and in alignmentwith the handle structure. The reinforcing rib 78 is formed on the cuffin the same manner with the widest portion of the reinforcing rib 78being at the center of the cuff. Thus, by simply removing the pivot pinor bolt 68, either type of cuff 60 or 72 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5respectively may be provided at the upper end of the crutch assemblydepending upon the desires or need of a particular user.

The foot assembly or tip 20 of the crutch includes a block 80 having anextension 82 of reduced crosssectional configuration closely receivedwithin the channel-shaped member 26 and being fixed thereto such as byremovable fasteners or the like. A rubber body of generallyfrusto-conical configuration 84 is disposed below the body 80 and has agenerally circular lower end portion 86 provided with a surface engaginglower surface 88 which may have circular ribs or other structuralprovision to reduce the tendency of slippage of the rubber tip 84. Theupper end of the rubber tip 84 is provided with a cylindrical member 90inserted into the rubber tip 84 and includes an externally threadedextension 92 which is threaded into an internally threaded recess 94 inthe lower end of the block 80. A setscrew 96 is threaded through theblock 80 into engagement with the extension 92 for securing theextension rotatably in the threaded socket 94 thereby enabling limitedadjustment in length of the tip 84 to compensate for wear of the lowersurface 88 thereof and to make minor adjustments for comfort. A jamb nut98 is positioned between the tip 84 and the lower end of the block tofurther lock the tip 84 in adjusted position.

The interior of the tip 84, the member and the block 80 includes alongitudinal bore extending completely therethrough for receiving anexternally threaded rod 102 having the lower end thereof pointed as at104 to enable a person using the crutches to effectively employ them onicy surfaces by extending the threaded rod 102 so that the pointed end104 projects beyond the surface 88. The threaded rod 102 is threadedlyengaged with an internally threaded portion of the bore 100 in the block80 and is locked in adjusted position by a locknut 106 so that thethreaded rod may be securely locked in either retracted position or inextended position. Any suitable means may be provided for positivelylocking the extendable rod 102 in either its extended or retractedposition with the rod also being threaded or smooth surfaced dependingupon the type of mechanical locking device to be employed for securingit in adjusted position.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 disclose a different type of handle structure 108 whichincludes a connecting block 110 that is similar to the block 30 butincludes a laterally extending supporting member 112 either integraltherewith or rigidly fixed thereto. Supported on the top of thesupporting member 112 is a platform or plate 114 having a rounded outeredge at 116 and rearwardly diverging side edges 118 and 120. The edge120 extends beyond the edge 118 and the plate 114 includes a generallyL-shaped notch 122 which engages the front and one side edge of theblock 110. The edge 120 of the plate is provided with a substantiallycylindrical member 124 extending throughout the length thereof andattached thereto to provide a rounded gripping surface for engaging aportion of the inner surface of the hand which engages the handle orhandgrip 108. Inasmuch as the edge 120 is provided with the member 124,greater force will be exerted on this side of the plate 112. To provideadditional support for the plate, a reinforcement block or blocks 126are provided to form gussets to substantially reinforce the plate 114thereby providing a rigid cantilevered handle or handgrip constructed ina shape to support the innersurface of the hand over a relatively largerarea as compared with a conventionalhandle of cylindrical configurationthereby reducing the tendency of the handle or handgrip formingcallouses or otherwise causing discomfort due to concentration of forcesin a particular location on the surface of the hands. The particularshape, configuration and dimensions of the platform or plate and itsassociated structural components may be varied in a manner to distributethe forces effectively over a relatively wide area of the hands.

FIG. 9 illustrated another embodiment of the crutch in which the lowercolumn portion generally designated by numeral 130 is forwardly offsetwhich orients the vertical portion of the lower column forwardly underthe handle generally designated by the numeral 134 which may be the sameconstruction as the handle 22 illustrated in F IG. 1 and also, varioustypes of cuffs may be employed with this form of the crutch with theremainder of the crutch being the same construction as that illustratedin FIGS. l-S. Of course, the lower column portion may or may not be ofchannel-shape construction but, the lower column portion is locatedforwardly in such a manner that the line of action of the hand passes ina straight line to the ground thereby stabilizing the crutch.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cane assembly generally designated by the numeralwhich includes a lower column portion 142 having a smoothly curvedhandle 144 connected thereto or formed thereon to form substantially aconventional cane structure. Extending upwardly from the lower columnportion is an extension or upper column portion 1.46 which terminates ina yoke 148 pivotally receiving a lug 150 on a wrist engaging cuff orsupport generally designated by the numeral 152 which is substantiallyidentical to the construction of the cuff illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 or5. The cuff 152 preferably opens rearwardly so that as the hand graspsthe handle 144, the wrist will be moved into the cuff and thusstabilized. The handle 144 may be curved as illustrated or may bestraight and the vertical dimension of the upper column portion 146 isrelatively short. In addition, the upper column portion 146 may includea swivel unit to enable rotation of the cuff about the longitudinal axisof the upper column portion to a desired position and then secure it.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cane structure in which the lower column portion154 is provided with a curved offset or straight offset upper end 156having an upward extension forming the upper column portion 158 having aswivel unit incorporated therein and a cuff 160 opening toward thehandle 156. In this arrangement, the cuff 160 opens forwardly andsupports the wrist from a point either behind or on one or more sides ofthe wrist when the handle 156 isgrasped in the nature of a walking cane.

By using the structure disclosed, the standard structural elements andmachined components enable elimination of castings, bent tubes and otherexpensive components and the various structural elements may befurnished in various lengths thus enablingcustom building of thecrutches or canes and extending the'useful life of the crutch or cane tothe user. This construction also eliminates welding of componentsthereby facilitating the assembly of the components to form a crutch orcane. Also, alternative pressure reducing platforms may be provided ofvarious configurations to more evenly distribute and reduce palmpressure while using the crutch or cane. This platform may be orientedin various positions and shaped into desired configurations. Forexample, the angle of the rounded member on the platform illustrated inFIGS. 6-8 "may be oriented to enable the fingers to grasp the 'handlewhile inclined at a natural angle which mayvary but has been found to beapproximately 2Q although this is variable. i The lower end ofthe'crutch also may be provided with a rocker device which is in theform of a supporting tip which can rock in relation to the lower columnto further facilitate use of the device. Also, the ice pick or pointedrod illustrated in FIG. 2 may have a spring incorporated therein.

When additional adjustment is desired, two telescoping channels may beused to provide a broader range of adjustment. Also, rectangular orsquare tubing may be employed in lieu of the partially open channelconstruction. The torsional spring action of the lower column may alsobe attached by the incorporation of a torsion spring in the footassembly 24 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 in which tip 84 has a bore 162therein receiving the member 90 and providing an annular space receivinga leaf torsion spring 162 which has a flange on one end anchored to thetip 84 and a flange on the other end anchored to body 90. A spring mayalso be incorporated in line with the ice pick to bias it to an extendedoperative position. Further, the device may be constructed so that itcan be folded to a compact condition by employing a suitable lockinghinge or the like.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. An orthopedic walking aid comprising a vertically disposed columnincluding a lower column portion and an upper column portion, handlemeans connected to the column at the juncture between the lower columnportion and the upper column portion, means at the upper end of theupper column portion for engagement with the forearm or wrist, and a tipmounted at the lower end of the lower column portion for engaging asupporting surface, said lower column portion and upper column portionbeing detachably interconnected and the forearm or wrist engaging meansbeing detachable from the upper column portion to enable compo nents ofselected dimensions to be used thereby enabling the device to be customfitted to a person employing the device, said tip including a supportsurface engaging member, and torsion spring means interconnecting thelower column portion and said member to provide relative twistingtherebetween.

2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said tip is in the formof a frusto-conical rubber body screwthreadcdly attached to the lowerend of the lower column portion to enable compensation for wear of thetip and minor adjustment for comfort.

3. The structure as defined in claim 2 together with a pointed rodadjustably mounted in the lower end portion of the lower column portionand extending through the tip for extension and retraction for providingan ice pick so that the device may be used on icy surfaces.

4. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said column portions areeach constructed of an open channel-shaped structural member, the web ofthe channelshaped structural member forming the lower column portionincluding elongated slots therein for reducing the weight.

5. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper and lowercolumn portions are constructed of rigid material colored for protectionand attractive appearance.

6. An orthopedic walking aid comprising a vertically disposed columnincluding a lower column portion and an upper column portion, handlemeans at the juncture between the lower column portion and the uppercolumn portion, a wrist engaging cuff at the upper end portion of theupper column portion and being disposed in alignment with the handlemeans and a tip mounted at the lower end of the lower column portion forengaging a supporting surface, said tip including a pointed extendibleand retractable rod and means to manually extend and retract the pointedrod for providing an ice pick to enable the device to be used in icysurfaces, said column being longitudinally adjustable to enablevariation in the effective length of the device, said device beingconstructed to enable the cuff member and handle means to torsionallytwist in relation to the surface of the tip which engages a supportingsurface to enable torsional movement of the wrist without causingrotational movement of the lower end of the tip in relation to asupporting surface.

7. The structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said means enablingtorsional twist of the wrist of a person using the device including achannel-shaped lower column portion capable of torsionally twistingbetween the upper and lower end thereof, said cuff member including asubstantially cylindrical member having an opening therein defining asegment of a circle with the free ends thereof converging towards eachother and being reversely curved to form curved edges for the entrancearea therebetween, and a vertically centrally disposed circumferentiallyextending rib reinforcing said cuff member with the rib extendingradially outwardly thereof with the depth of the rib decreasing towardthe curved edges of the cuff member to reinforce the cuff member butenable lateral flexibility of the curved edges thereof.

I 8. The structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said handle means isformed by an offset portion of the upper end of the lower columnportion, said cuff member defining a wrist support and engaging thewrist of a person using the device as a cane from any angle.

1. An orthopedic walking aid comprising a vertically disposed columnincluding a lower column portion and an upper column portion, handlemeans connected to the column at the juncture between the lower columnportion and the upper column portion, means at the upper end of theupper column portion for engagement with the forearm or wrist, and a tipmounted at the lower end of the lower column portion for engaging asupporting surface, said lower column portion and upper column portionbeing detachably interconnected and the forearm or wrist engaging meansbeing detachable from the upper column portion to enable components ofselected dimensions to be used thereby enabling the device to be customfitted to a person employing the device, said tip including a supportsurface engaging member, and torsion spring means interconnecting thelower column portion and said member to provide relative twistingtherebetween.
 2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said tip isin the form of a frusto-conical rubber body screw-threadedly attached tothe lower end of the lower column portion to enable compensation forwear of the tip and minor adjustment for comfort.
 3. The structure asdefined in claim 2 together with a pointed rod adjustably mounted in thelower end portion of the lower column portion and extending through thetip for extension and retraction for providing an ice pick so that thedevice may be used on icy surfaces.
 4. The structure as defiNed in claim1 wherein said column portions are each constructed of an openchannel-shaped structural member, the web of the channel-shapedstructural member forming the lower column portion including elongatedslots therein for reducing the weight.
 5. The structure as defined inclaim 1 wherein said upper and lower column portions are constructed ofrigid material colored for protection and attractive appearance.
 6. Anorthopedic walking aid comprising a vertically disposed column includinga lower column portion and an upper column portion, handle means at thejuncture between the lower column portion and the upper column portion,a wrist engaging cuff at the upper end portion of the upper columnportion and being disposed in alignment with the handle means and a tipmounted at the lower end of the lower column portion for engaging asupporting surface, said tip including a pointed extendible andretractable rod and means to manually extend and retract the pointed rodfor providing an ice pick to enable the device to be used in icysurfaces, said column being longitudinally adjustable to enablevariation in the effective length of the device, said device beingconstructed to enable the cuff member and handle means to torsionallytwist in relation to the surface of the tip which engages a supportingsurface to enable torsional movement of the wrist without causingrotational movement of the lower end of the tip in relation to asupporting surface.
 7. The structure as defined in claim 6 wherein saidmeans enabling torsional twist of the wrist of a person using the deviceincluding a channel-shaped lower column portion capable of torsionallytwisting between the upper and lower end thereof, said cuff memberincluding a substantially cylindrical member having an opening thereindefining a segment of a circle with the free ends thereof convergingtowards each other and being reversely curved to form curved edges forthe entrance area therebetween, and a vertically centrally disposedcircumferentially extending rib reinforcing said cuff member with therib extending radially outwardly thereof with the depth of the ribdecreasing toward the curved edges of the cuff member to reinforce thecuff member but enable lateral flexibility of the curved edges thereof.8. The structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said handle means isformed by an offset portion of the upper end of the lower columnportion, said cuff member defining a wrist support and engaging thewrist of a person using the device as a cane from any angle.